Question 1

the dr thought i broke my 5 th metatarsal but the x rays only showed a sprain. but it feels like it's broken. can i get a 2 nd opinion and new xrays?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You may want to wait a week or so after the initial injury to get a second set of x-rays.  Sometimes small, nondisplaced fractures can be missed on initial x-rays.  They can often be seen a week or two later, if present.

Question 2

just had 2 tooth x-rays and earlier this year a couple of foot x-rays for a fractured metatarsal. am i at too much x-ray exposure?

Accepted Answer

I wouldn't worry: First, taking 2 dental x-rays is almost insignificant in the total scheme of things. The x-rays to determine whether or not you had a fracture were necessary and one of the smaller radiation dosage producing types of images. Honestly, it's best if we never had to take x-rays but they are a necessary part of our lives. Do they have risks? Yes. We have risks all around us in the air, water, food etc.

Question 3

months of discomfort in foot. point of pain along 5th metatarsal.  hurts if caught or touched etc doctor did x rays etc and said there's nothing wrong?

Accepted Answer

Varies : There are a number of potential causes.  Having a normal X-ray of the foot is good to ensure that the bone structures if the foot are OK, but X-rays don't show other structures such as soft tissues.  Some considerations include a neuroma, a fibroma, or even a radiculopathy.  A detailed exam can usually determine the cause.

Question 4

does a bone spur on the top of the first metatarsal always indicate arthiritis? i have full range of motion. previous x-rays show no arthiritis.

Accepted Answer

No: It can occur as the result of trauma.

Question 5

i have had x-rays on my right foot because my metatarsals are on top of each other but my podiatrist says she thinks i have a fracture but an orthoped?

Accepted Answer

What does that mean?: Your metatarsals are on top of each other? An xray should be able to rule out a fractured metatarsal. Especially, if combined with a clinical exam.

Question 6

fractured the 3rd metatarsal bone in my foot, i have a boot on and x-rays showed no other damage.  doc said i should get an mri is it worth the cost?

Accepted Answer

See long answer: Your dr. Needs to exam you, and place the need for imaging, in the appropriate clinical context.  The plain x-ray exam will show the bony fracture and its alignment but not any possible ligament nor tendon damage. If this is what is clinically of concern then an MRI is the imaging modality that would depict this. For straightforward fractures that are aligned, MRI is generally not necessary.

Question 7

is 3 months to heal a 5th metatarsal fx unusual?

Accepted Answer

No: Foot injuries especially a 5th metatarsal fracture can take up to 3 months to heal in most cases. If your fracture has not healed after 3 months, you may need a bone stimulator to increase the chance of fully healing the fracture. Consult with your foot specialist to make sure your fracture is showing signs of healing.

Question 8

how long does it take for a childs metatarsal to heal?

Accepted Answer

One month: It should take 4-6 weeks for an uncomplicated well aligned fracture to heal in a healthy child.

Question 9

i broke my 3rd and 4th metatarsal, they were clean breaks right in the middle. how long would it take to heal?

Accepted Answer

Fractures typically: Take 6-8 weeks to heal with proper treatment.

Question 10

how long does it take the 5th metatarsal to heal on an active 9 year old?

Accepted Answer

Not long....: If the child is healthy it should only take a few weeks.  Children heal fractures very quickly.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What does exray look like for healed metatarsal fractgure

A member asked:

The dr thought i broke my 5 th metatarsal but the x rays only showed a sprain. but it feels like it's broken. can i get a 2 nd opinion and new xrays?

A member asked:

Just had 2 tooth x-rays and earlier this year a couple of foot x-rays for a fractured metatarsal. am i at too much x-ray exposure?

A member asked:

Months of discomfort in foot. point of pain along 5th metatarsal. hurts if caught or touched etc doctor did x rays etc and said there's nothing wrong?

A member asked:

Does a bone spur on the top of the first metatarsal always indicate arthiritis? i have full range of motion. previous x-rays show no arthiritis.

A member asked:

I have had x-rays on my right foot because my metatarsals are on top of each other but my podiatrist says she thinks i have a fracture but an orthoped?

A member asked:

Fractured the 3rd metatarsal bone in my foot, i have a boot on and x-rays showed no other damage. doc said i should get an mri is it worth the cost?

A member asked:

Is 3 months to heal a 5th metatarsal fx unusual?

A member asked:

How long does it take for a childs metatarsal to heal?

A member asked:

I broke my 3rd and 4th metatarsal, they were clean breaks right in the middle. how long would it take to heal?

A member asked:

How long does it take the 5th metatarsal to heal on an active 9 year old?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?